Charlton switch on radio riches

Charlton today signed what is thought to be one of the biggest local radio rights deals in the Premier League.

They have agreed a three-year contract with Capital Radio which will earn them "a six-figure sum" annually in return for permission for the London station to broadcast live match commentaries.

Charlton refused to disclose the exact amount they will earn from the deal but it is believed to be significantly more than Chelsea will gain from their £500,000-a-year local tie-up with talkSPORT.

The basis of the contracts is similar but the South London club have also agreed to develop a close media relationship with Capital and plan joint internet projects as part of the contract.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray said: "We are very pleased to announce easily the biggest deal in the club's history. The money is a big plus."

The tie-up from next season means Capital will be the only local radio station able to commentate on Charlton matches within its London area catchment.